Can we be partners?

Losing $400 on a project you’ve already put time and effort into is frustrating, especially when a simple clause in the agreement might have helped prevent the situation. I’m sorry you had to learn this the hard way. One important lesson here is that payment terms should be agreed upon in writing before work begins—not just discussed informally. Beyond late fees, it helps to clearly define payment deadlines, deposit requirements, milestones, and what happens when an invoice becomes overdue. For future projects, having a written payment policy and a consistent invoice follow-up process can make a real difference in protecting your time and cash flow. I’m curious: was the main issue that the client paid late, refused to pay the additional fee, or never paid the original invoice at all? The best next step depends on which situation you’re dealing with.